It’s good news, bad news again for Sunflower State football

Central Michigan wide receiver Mark Chapman (left) celebrates with quarterback Shane Morris after the two hooked up for a 75-yard for a touchdown pass in the second half. Morris threw five TD passes against the Jayahwks. Charlie RiedelAP

Central Michigan wide receiver Mark Chapman (left) celebrates with quarterback Shane Morris after the two hooked up for a 75-yard for a touchdown pass in the second half. Morris threw five TD passes against the Jayahwks. Charlie RiedelAP

For years, big-time college football in Kansas has been a good news, bad news affair. If last weekend’s performances by Kansas State and Kansas are any indication, that trend isn’t going to change any time soon.

The good news came once again from Manhattan, where K-State improved to 2-0 by routing Charlotte 55-7. The No. 18 Wildcats were in control from the start, scoring three straight touchdowns in the first quarter. They gained 304 of their 493 total yards of offense on the ground, with Alex Barnes rushing for 99 yards and a touchdown and quarterback Jesse Ertz getting 76 yards and another TD to go along with 189 passing yards. And K-State’s defense only allowed 168 total yards.

At Lawrence, meanwhile, it was all bad news as KU fell 45-27 to a Central Michigan team it was favored to beat. Instead the Jayhawks fell behind 24-6 by halftime as Central Michigan quarterback Shane Morris shredded the Jayhawks for 467 passing yards and five touchdowns. Instead of building on the momentum from their 38-16 win over Southeast Missouri in their season opener, the Jayhawks took a step back.

K-State fans expect more good news Saturday when the Wildcats travel to Vanderbilt. KU will also be on the road to face Ohio, which beat the Jayhawks last season in Lawrence.